In all of my years editing pieces for time, it has been the journalists’ prerogative to trim the interview to make for a clearer and more cohesive segment.
Their view is that testing and practice have shown little difference in listening, but the gains in proportionality are positive. The unspoken part is that this change will help control sample costs as well.
Part of the fun of news/talk radio is that we are at the center of informing our communities during important moments. Being prepared for anything is our mission. This includes compelling holiday programming.